Tyndall, team deserve support

USM men's basketball head coach Donnie Tyndall says he has high expectations for his team.

It didn't take long for the Southern Miss community to fall in love with men's basketball head coach Donnie Tyndall.

There was just something about the charismatic coach that fans couldn't resist.

"I would never have left Morehead State if I didn't think Southern Miss was a special place," Tyndall told American sports writer Jason Munz for a story on today's front page. "I love being at Southern Miss. You say the fans have fallen in love with me, which is very humbling, but I've fallen in love with these fans and the community.

"I'm excited to be the head coach at Southern Miss."

In an area where football and baseball usually reign supreme, Tyndall and his team took center stage last year through a record-breaking season and National Invitation Tournament run.

Expectations were not extremely high last season, especially considering the team's roster changes from the previous year.

But Tyndall led the team to most wins in school history (27) and an appearance in the NIT quarterfinals.

The wait is just about over for Tyndall's second year at the helm. The Southern Miss basketball season officially gets underway Friday, when the Golden Eagles host Jackson State.

We expect Tyndall and crew will give Southern Miss fans plenty to cheer about this season inside Reed Green Coliseum. And we hope the fans continue to come out and show their support.